World’s First Commercially Viable Transparent Cement

Italian company Italcementi has invented the world’s first commercially viable transparent cement. The company demonstrated this wonder at the Shanghai World Expo and made heads turn. The cement is made from a “secret” innovative technology developed by Italcementi whereby a novel ready mixed product is used. This product gives scope for bonding a light transmitting plastic resin matrix empowering the cement to gets its invisible demeanor.

Energy saving is going to get a newer dimension with the advent of this pioneering invention. This cement could not only be used for the external facade of the building but also for the interior lighting.

The earlier transparent cements were manufactured from optical fibers but had less cost effectiveness and also captured less light. The use of plastic resins makes it cheaper along with a wider visual angle than optical fibers. This property increases the transparency properties of material and the building attains luminous effects. The panels used in the expo created a sequence of lights and shadows in constant evolution during the day.

The next biggest advantage of this cement is that it more durable than that of optical fibers and offers much higher strength in building and utilization phase. The transparent cement is manufactured in panels measuring 500x1000x50 mm with a weight of 25 kg. transparent cement panels have about 50 chains of plastic resins, each having thickness of 2 to 3 mm, appropriately inserted according to the technology patented by Italcementi group.

The resins, in various colors, react differently to artificial and natural light sources, creating a soft, warm light inside the building and a clear bright image on the outside. The transparent effect is more evident when it is dark and seen from the outside. Imagine when you can enjoy the engrossing play of shadows and lights during the sunset or sunrise, sitting inside your home without the need of windows.

Watch a video about it here: